‘I am here, forever, to protect you. To help you, to love you. To keep you happy.’
It was an oath that every elf knew, but never had to say. There was no prompt. At a certain age, two elves of nearly the same name would meet. Then one would say the oath, simply because they felt compelled to. It was more than a promise; it was a feeling. One that every single elf was born with. – Kristina Aziz
The old runner can’t see to drive at night.
So, they don’t go out into the dark.
Just once a year.
Except this year. Except 2020.
Don’t know if there was a party.
Wouldn’t have gone if I’d been invited.
Just like to be invited.
The old runner didn’t race any more.
Events start at the crack of dawn to beat the heat.
Sure as hell can’t run that time of day.
Last year,
day of The Red Mule Running Club’s Annual Christmas Party,
he had just recovered from the worst flu of this life
and he told Judy at the door,
I wouldn’t have left the house for anybody else
but runners.
Helps that The Red Mule is a tavern.
Two free beers come with your annual dues.
A bonus as a clubhouse during normal times,
not so much during a pandemic.
Rick Richards from Grafton, Ohio had this to say about the Red Mule on TripAdvisor where his opinion is highly regarded.
We ordered carryout in middle of virus pandemic
we had freinds suggest this place ,and decided to order as all inside facilities were shut down across Fl. due to virus outbreak. These folks did a outstandind job with telephone communication and getting our order together. I ordered for 6 people all with different desires. picked the food up with limited contact and hand sanitizer. everyone was happy with their food and my corned beef sandwitch was great. I will return to the Red Mule after the virus is gone to eat there. The pub has a nice feel to it an I got to think it is one of Brooksville hidden treasures. I highly recomend it based on my one time stop during unusual times.
Date of visit: March 2020
There was no party, of course.
No races, no entry fees, no party, no scholarships. Sounds bad when you say it like that.
Oldtimers in the club still talk about the time Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers ran a 10K here.
The 16th Annual Flatlanders Challenge.
Name of the race enough to make me stay home.
But then again, there was always the chance you could ‘Win A Weekend With Bill Rodgers.’
Win and you get to train with Bill and sit with him at the pre-race carbo-loading party plus a complimentary suite at the Holiday Inn.
“It was 1995 or 1996… Frank had a bad race and a bloody foot when he finished. Record number of runners in Brooksville, right around a thousand. Fun and memorable times.”
First place paid $400.
Entry fee was $12.
Thinking maybe it’s about time I paid my dues.
Club Mission Statement
The Red Mule Runners Running Club has two basic purposes and objectives: promoting the sport of running, and financially supporting area youth in the sport.
As a running club, we strive to improve the health and physical fitness amongst our membership while setting a good example of health and fitness to the general public. We hope to be able to convince others that staying fit by running is not just a fad, a habit, or a temporary fling to lose weight, but running could and should be a way of life. Goals don’t always have to be insurmountable obstacles but should be obtainable and reachable plateaus, while learning to run within ourselves. The competitive spirit in all of us doesn’t have to rein supreme, just the joy of the run and the sharing of fellowship with other runners is reward enough.
The future of anything successful lies within its youth. The Red Mule Runners feel strongly in the high school runners of Hernando County and contribute financially in three basic areas. First, each fall, the club sponsors a high school invitational meet where area high school cross country teams compete. Boys and girls from all corners of the state of Florida make this invitational meet a success every year. So successful is this race that we now have to limit the number of school entries. Second, in the spring the club offers two scholarships, one boy and one girl, when financially feasible, to any graduating high school senior from an accredited high school in Hernando County, pursuing a post high school education. Guidelines must be met and the amount may vary based on available funds. Third, high school club members in good standing that attend summer running camps are eligible for partial reimbursements based on available funds.
As a non-profit organization, the more funds that are raised, the more we can distribute to the high school runners in our area. We conduct races and partner with other organizations holding races throughout the year. Proceeds from these fund raisers help to support the club and the local high school talent.
The Red Mule Runners also strive to be community minded by supporting community based charitable organizations and other local non-profit groups and organizations.
We welcome everyone with these same ideals to join us for some sweat and some fun.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1568746760040815
Very cool, Jack. Judy is a Good Woman; please pass on my greetings and ask her about the time I asked her to mail me some big Spiders!
I recall racing Frank, and also my 1st Red Mule 10k Race. I was stunned by the Florida Hills…you’re lucky to have that Red Mule pub to go to, Jack.
We got at least a foot of snow headed our way tonight and tomorrow. UGH!
Bill